Ray Lynch Comments:

     I wanted Best Of to be something more than just a retrospective; hence the inclusion of two very recent pieces ( Ralph's Rhapsody and The Music of What Happens ) — written for the next new Ray Lynch album) as well as a dance or club version of Celestial Soda Pop ( Celestial Soda Pop Remix ). The record label suggested I do a new version of Celestial Soda Pop for the Best Of , but after much consideration I found I really didn't want to do it (I thought I got it right the first time), but I wouldn't mind if someone else had a crack at it. And why not a dance remix ( which would at least satisfy my many friends under the age of 20?)

     So it was done, and an 8-9 minute dance or "club" version (Nikolas/Sibley) was forthcoming. It was exactly what I had asked for and I was, nevertheless, both shocked by its four-on-the floor, in-your-face attitude and amused by its relationship to the original. With time and familiarity the shock wore off (after all, it ain't dance music without the beat), but I realized that I couldn't include a long dance piece (however well-made for its purpose) on an album that was meant for listening. So I edited the 8 minute dance remix down to 4 minutes, and then I added elements until I found it interesting. This turned out to be far more difficult than I had imagined, and after many weeks and several versions, I emerged with a better understanding and appreciation (somewhat reluctantly given) for the club genre.

     I can only hope that the remixed remix works for you as it does for me. The piece appears as it does simply because that's the way I enjoy hearing it. So much for the new music — I've also included nine pieces from the previous 4 albums, all digitally remixed, so you may hear things you never heard before!